Panama

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I woke up and stepped out onto my balcony to pure beauty. We are in Panama! What a country..I really thought it was going to be another poverty stricken hell-hole with crappy souvenirs but to my sheer delight, I was happily mistaken! We took the tender into port and boarded a tour bus to the Embera IndianVillage called Parara. Nicko, our tour guide, was so informative and you could tell he was thrilled to share the history of Panama with all of us.

You may or may not be aware but the United States gave up control of the Panama Canal on December 31, 1999 and moved all of the troops out of Panama. Panama now has full control over the revenue of the canal and country. The military barracks are now being converted into a convention center and posh hotel (I have this on my list to return) and much of the revenue from the canal is now being put to good use by enhancing the education and highway systems. The record for revenue for one ship was made last year by the cruise ship NCL Pearl - $359,000 for one trip through the canal.
Up to 30 ships can travel through the canal in one day. What a profit center!!!

Time out....I just got delivered six chocolate covered strawberries from Room service to make up for a mistake they made....and I didn't even care. Whatever, I'll enjoy them with a bottle of Carminere (the Chilean wine I purchased in Casablanca Valley). I'm sure this decadent combination will help take away the pain and the visible bloody-scraped wounds I received from the embarrassing fall down the stupid river bank today.

After a wonderful glass of wine, three chocolate strawberries later plus the fact that I've gained about six pounds since I've left the states, I have absolutely no worries and am no longer feeling homesick. LOL

After a 45 minute bus ride out of town, we made a 10 minute canoe ride down the river through the jungle to arrive at the Indian village where the people were very welcoming. Everyone was happy, including the tail-wagging dogs. The worry-free naked children ran through the village laughing joyously chasing each other and the women huddled with each other, as if gossiping about what the American women were wearing. The men played their drums and made sure the patrons visiting were kept safe and comfortable. Nicko interpreted the young chief's message to us as he explained their culture and way of life at Parara. They hunt, fish, grow fruit and vegetables and handcraft gifts to sell. Tourism has become very important to their lifestyle since the country has deemed their Chagres Forest a national park as they can no longer cut the trees or hunt the animals they were accustomed. There are 72 people that live in this village and the children attend school at the top of hill. Even though we didn't see any, predators in the area consists of crocodiles, snakes (approx 60 different species of which 19 are poisonous) and wild cats, the most fearful being Jaguar's and Puma's. I did however see a monkey in a tree, tied up with a rope, must have been a pet or perhaps dinner for the evening??? Wasn't sure but afraid to ask as while roaming the outskirts of the village earlier I saw three fish heads, one small, medium and large lined up in an orderly fashion next to what looked like a hygiene area containing a faucet, one toothbrush and random clothing.

Lunch consists of fresh tilapia fish, pineapple and watermelon. The men are masters at fishing and went spear diving the evening before to catch the fish we ate for lunch. The women cleaned and cooked the fish and then proudly presented it in bowls made of beautifully handcrafted banana leaves. It was actually very good after separating the meat from the bones. The day ended with a duty free shop by the port that included Montecristo cigars for Marty, a funky shirt for my bratty son and coffee beans for me. Overall the day was a success, now it's time to retire as my leg is throbbing with pain and I think I need to find the first aid kit.....

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Comments

[Lisa]

WOW!
Sherri - I've been following your blog - what a fantastic trip! I never knew much about the places you are visiting so really liked the pics and the commentary-you may have a new career as the next Samantha Brown! Enjoy your last few days aboard the Star Princess-I'm looking forward to hearing all the other details of the trip when you visit AZ - Lisa

[Sherri G]

visiting phoenix
I'll be heading to Phoenix weekend of April 24th so maybe we can get together and get caught up :- )